Simon Newstead

The 2017/18 Macron East Sussex Football League season will get underway today (Saturday).

Some 62 teams will battle it out across six divisions over the coming eight months, with 11 sides in the Premier Division and Division Five, and 10 in the middle four tiers.

The top flight has lost a side following the recent withdrawal of Old Hastonians due to a lack of committed players. The Stones hope to regroup over the coming months and re-enter the league next season.

Hollington United will begin their defence of the Premier Division title with an away game against Sidley United. Last season’s runners-up - and National Christian Cup winners - Battle Baptists will host St Leonards Social in a 4pm kick-off.

Elsewhere, top flight new boys Bexhill Town and Rye Town will go head-to-head at Bexhill Road.